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Taxes and Growth: A Review of the Evidence
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March 10, 2010
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This study provides a review of the academic literature that has examined the relationship between taxation and economic growth, with an emphasis on the taxation of income. The study provides reliable information that may inform policy options. Key considerations in evaluating the role of tax policy in economic growth include: Taxes and economic activity are inversely related; tax policies between jurisdictions are interrelated; taxes and spending go together; and, the impact of taxes is relative.
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Taxes and Government Spending Undermine Economic Growth
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March 10, 2010
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A survey of economic literature finds general agreement among researchers that higher taxes lead to lower economic growth. Stimulus spending can help those hit hardest by a recession to weather the storm, but will not help the economy to recover faster. The best prescription for reviving the economy involves lowering taxes and balancing the budget.
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The Economic Case for Citizen Oversight of the Board of Police Commissioners
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March 8, 2010
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Economic principles explain why the “principal-agent” problem has led to questionable activity by corporate boards. The same incentives also hold in the public sphere. Although the principal beneficiaries of police service are citizens, the Board of Police Commissioners answers only to the governor. This structure gives rise to potential problems.
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Adding New MetroLink Lines Too Costly, Inefficient
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February 16, 2010
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Despite a $50 million shortfall, Metro is pressing ahead with a plan to build new light rail lines. Rather than implementing fanciful new rail construction plans, however, Metro should implement more fiscally sound solutions to the area’s mass transit woes, such new, higher-speed bus lines, which are cheaper and far more adaptable than light rail.
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How a Sales Tax System Could Replace the State Income Tax
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February 3, 2010
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A resolution currently under consideration by Missouri’s General Assembly would eliminate the state’s individual and corporate income taxes, and broaden the sales tax instead. The plan includes establishing a low-income rebate program. Despite the possibility of added administrative work in the short term, resources could ultimately be allocated more efficiently.
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Filling the Cavities in Missouri’s Dental Care
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February 1, 2010
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Missouri’s oral health is among the worst in the nation, partly because of the state’s shortage of dentists. Programs in Alaska, England, Australia, and Canada have had success with dental therapists, who can provide a wide range of dental services at a low cost. Missouri could also benefit from dental therapists if the state’s professional licensing law did not stand in the way.
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Lessons of the Great Depression
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January 18, 2010
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Lawrence W. Reed, president of the Foundation for Economic Education, explains the causes of the Great Depression of 1929–1941 and outlines the clear lessons that historical episode provides for modern economic crises.
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Longstanding North Side Business Faces Uncertain Development Future
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March 2, 2010
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Fehlig Brothers Box & Lumber has been in business since 1873, and located in Saint Louis' north side for 55 years. Company president Jack O'Leary said that while some area residents and businessmen are skeptical of the $8.1 billion plan put forward by developer Paul McKee and NorthSide Regeneration LLC, he’s generally for it. However, according to NorthSide’s redevelopment plan, a good portion of Fehlig Brothers is slated for “open space.”
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Flexible Commercial Surcharge Rates Would Promote Economic Growth in Missouri
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February 16, 2010
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David Stokes, a policy analyst with the Show-Me Institute, testifies before the Missouri House of Representatives Job Creation and Economic Development Committee, about the economic effects of pending legislation, House Joint Resolution 81. Stokes argues that the commercial surcharge rates established 25 years ago long outdated, and that legislation allowing local officials to reduce those rates in response to changing economic conditions would provide a strong incentive for businesses to stay in Missouri.
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Health Care Policy and Constitutional Rights: The Health Care Freedom Act
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February 10, 2010
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Dave Roland, a policy analyst with the Show-Me Institute, testifies before the Senate Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee and the House Special Standing Committee on General Laws about SJR 25 and HJR 57, also known as the Health Care Freedom Act, which would offer citizens the opportunity to modify the Missouri Bill of Rights to formally recognize their right to decide for themselves whether they will participate in any private health care system. Under this amendment, the government would not be permitted to prevent citizens from offering or accepting direct payment for health care services, and neither could it substantially limit the purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems.
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Why a Sales Tax Is Better for Missouri Than an Income Tax
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December 18, 2009
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Missouri’s economic development and growth rates are chronically below average. During the past 10 years, employment has grown 8.8 percent nationally, while Missouri has boosted jobs by only 6 percent. Economists have provided one explanation for the state’s lagging performance: Missouri’s personal income tax rates.
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Previous Estimates Overstate 'Fair Tax' Rates, Harms
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October 13, 2009
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House Joint Resolution 36 (2009), the “Fair Tax” bill, called for replacing personal and corporate income taxes with a broad, revenueneutral 5.11-percent sales tax. The legislation also called for a tax rebate to be disbursed on the first day of each month to qualified families in the state. In our view, Missouri’s economy would grow faster if HJR 36 were enacted. However, through a combination of misinformation, miscalculation, and the promotion of myths, HJR 36 was unfairly maligned.
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Obamanomics
As a continuation of our speaker series, Harvard University economics professor Jeffrey Miron will speak on "Obamanomics: Growing the Pie or Dividing the Pie?":
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Policy Pulse
Check out Policy Pulse, an interactive site from the Show-Me Institute, where you can receive custom information about your policy interests and track legislation!
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Show-Me Daily
Check out Show-Me Daily, the Show-Me Institute's blog, where we provide fresh news and views on Missouri public policy every day.
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Eminent Domain Amicus Brief
On Nov. 29, 2007, the Show-Me Institute filed a brief of amicus curiae in the Missouri Supreme Court eminent domain case City of Arnold v. Homer Tourkakis. Read SMI's argument in favor of strong property rights.
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From Equity to Adequacy to Choice
On Oct. 30, 2007, the Show-Me Institute sponsored a conference about issues associated with public school finance and educational adequacy lawsuits. Visit the conference website to view the agenda, read working papers, and browse bios of presenting academics.
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